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District heating: Designed around people
Hot Cool no. 8 makes one thing clear: the future of district heating is shaped not only by technology, but by people, local communities, and the resources available right where they live. The articles in this edition span social acceptance, sustainable biomass, geothermal systems, aquathermal heat, and nature-inspired network design – all grounded in local realities.
Across very different contexts, a common message emerges: successful district heating depends on trust, strong partnerships, responsible resource use, and systems flexible enough to meet real-world needs.
Dive in – and draw inspiration from concrete examples that show what happens when district heating is designed locally, around people.
Editorial – Local solutions and system integration take center stage
By Lars Hummelmose, DBDH
Europe’s green transition depends on resilient heating systems. In this editorial, Lars Hummelmose highlights how a mix of local resources—biomass, geothermal, industrial waste heat, data center heat, and green power—combined with smart system integration, creates a secure, flexible, and fossil-free heat supply.
Read the editorial →
Why consumers say “yes” or “no” to district heating
By Marie Aarup, Rudersdal Municipality
The article demonstrates that local acceptance relies significantly on social norms, trust, and community dynamics rather than technical arguments. Understanding passive users, “own-stoker” mindsets, and local gatekeepers is essential for successful district heating rollout. Read the article →
Why sustainable biomass remains essential
By Anders Frandsen og Klara Brockstedt, the Danish Forest Association
The article cuts through the noise: biomass is not deforestation, but a residue from sustainable forestry. It strengthens forest management, replaces fossil fuels, enables afforestation targets, and remains crucial for Europe’s climate goals when sourced responsibly. Read the article →
Social sustainability: the overlooked competitive edge
By Kristina Lygnerud, Lund University, Kerstin Sernhed, Lund University, Johanna Ayrault, Vienna University of Economics and Business, and Hanne Kortegaard Støchkel, DBDH
This article demonstrates how district energy can enhance its business model by integrating social value, encompassing local engagement, fair access, digital empowerment, and community benefits across the entire value chain. Social sustainability is not a “nice to have”; it can increase competitiveness and acceptance. Read the article →
How Flanders grows heat networks like plants
By Ighor Van de Vyver, City of Mechelen, and Lore Vander Plancken, City of Kortrijk
The article demonstrates how Mechelen and Kortrijk utilize aquathermal energy, digital twins, and smart planning to develop nature-inspired, low-temperature heat networks. It demonstrates how cities can move from heat plans to real, large-scale implementation. Read the article →
Kırşehir’s geothermal district heating transformation
By Ighor Van de Vyver, City of Mechelen, and Lore Vander Plancken, City of Kortrijk
This member company profile shows how the Turkish city of Kırşehir has built a modern geothermal district energy system with full reinjection, high efficiency, and strong environmental protection. Grundfos’ pumping and control solutions enabled stable operation, reduced water use and reliable heating for 1,800 homes and local tourism facilities. Read the article →
We hope these insights spark new ideas, collaborations, and actions. The tools are here – now it’s time to implement.
Tag Your Peers
Tag your colleagues, share it with your network, and let’s build a community dedicated to sustainable energy practices.
The HOT|COOL district energy magazine is not just a passport for staying informed; it’s an invitation to share, discuss, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey!